Following the arrival of Mousa Dembele last summer, as well as impressive performances from the likes of Sandro and Scott Parker, Huddlestone has struggled to hold down a place in the starting XI this season.

But while Villas-Boas admits he understands the 26-year-old's frustrations, he remains adamant Huddlestone still has a bright and important future ahead of him at the club if he decides to stay.

"The words are understandable from a player who has not been involved as much as he wanted," he told reporters.

"I think we have seen lots of players in midfield this season raise a level. It is incredible.

"From the moment Sandro got injured, he was the number one recoverer of the ball and Mousa was also in the top 10, so it was very difficult for him [Huddlestone] to get into the team and when the chance happened it opened up for Scotty [Parker].

"So it is difficult [for him] to break into the team. But with performances like this he is able to get more chances, definitely."